Heavily trafficked roads act just like a giant wall, blocking wildlife from safely moving across. Highways can cause fatal collisions for people and animals, and present conservation challenges as well.That’s a problem when you’re trying to get separate populations of grizzly bears to connect. Now, new research is identifying high-traffic roads that can make it impossible for bears to cross.
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Knapweed and leafy spurge don't have many fans in these parts. Nobody makes the drive from Texas to pose with them and post the photos on Instagram. Invasive species aren't usually something to celebrate, because they can wreak havoc on native ecosystems in ways impossible to undo. But other invaders have gotten a much warmer welcome. One listener wonders why some non-native species – like brown trout and rainbows – are so valued in Montana.
Montana Public Radio's newsroom has been recognized as among the best reporting in our region and in the country. MTPR received 18 local, regional and national awards from journalism associations for work done in 2025. On the music side, "Musician's Spotlight" was once again awarded Noncommercial Radio Program of the Year. Check out some of the award-winning stories.
Whether you’re in the crowd or listening from home, on the road or by the lake, we’ve got you covered from the opening note to the final encore, and beyond.
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This program features a tribute to composer and pianist Phillip Aaberg who passed away May 23rd of 2026. This episode features archival recordings of two Spotlight programs from past seasons. One is from a 2002 show produced by former program co-host Brian Kopper, and the second features host John Floridis' visit with Phil from 2013.
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This week on ‘The Write Question,’ host Lauren Korn speaks with poet Sean Hill about ‘The Negroes Send Their Love: Poems, Perspectives, and Possible Futures’ (Milkweed Editions).
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Squoosh. Squoosh. My feet, encased in calf-high rubber boots, sank into the thick sphagnum moss, and water crept up to my ankles. I pulled one foot free with a loud squelch, lunged towards the nearest hummock, then rescued my other foot.
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The Supreme Court is expected to make a long-awaited ruling on birthright citizenship today, on the high court's last day of its term. And, the U.S. murder rate approaches a record low.
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Rangeland Fire Protection Districts are volunteer groups made up of neighbors who protect their property and nearby land from wildfires, especially when federal and state resources are stretched thin.